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Electricity Discos blame FG’s failure to pay N100bn subsidy, other promises for travails
Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have attacked the Federal Government over what they described as ‘renationalisation’ of electricity firms.
They insisted that government, via the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), allegedly has a hand in the failure of the power sector by not “meeting extant guidelines and regulations.”
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), an umbrella body of the DisCos, in a statement, claimed that government failed to fulfil a N100 billion subsidy and other privatisation promises made since 2013.
At least, five firms – Abuja DisCo, Benin DisCo, Ibadan DisCo, Kaduna and Kano DisCos – have fallen into the hands of banks they took credit from after being unable to break even eight years after licensing.
The prevailing situation, which comes few days after NERC announced a contract-based electricity market, stakeholders said the development might worsen the industry’s woes, pointing to an alleged breach by BPE and NERC.
Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Sunday Oduntan, said the utility companies are deeply concerned about the “restructuring” of the five electricity distribution firms, adding that the move “is inconsistent with all the guidelines and processes necessary to comply with the framework of privatisation agreements and the rule of law.”
According to him, resultant outcome of the move has been an expropriation or backdoor renationalisation of the DisCos by the Federal Government.
He went on: “Such renationalisation or expropriation must be viewed through a historical context as necessary for a proper understanding of the performance challenges that the DisCos have been faced with since privatisation.
“Fundamentally, the basis of privatisation was flawed from the beginning, due to conditions that were not met by the Federal Government, while expecting the DisCos to meet their performance obligations. Not only were the investors short-changed because of insufficient and unreliable data that was provided by BPE to them during the privatisation process, but the government also committed to and failed to deliver on DisCos’ debt-free financial books, payment of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA) electricity debts and N100 billion subsidy.”
While it said the DisCos take responsibility for some issues, ANED stated that the government also contributed to the challenges. It said the government holds 40% stakes in the DisCos, has representatives on the boards that take operational decisions but the DisCos are blamed for the misalignment in the power sector.
“Expropriation or renationalisation, by itself, of the DisCos will not change the current bleak situation or outlook of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” ANED noted.
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Governor Obaseki Congratulates Edo Citizens on Prestigious National Award
By Esho Ayemoba in Benin
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated citizens of Edo State origin who have been bestowed with prestigious national awards, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The governor, in a statement, lauded the awardees for their immense contributions to the socioeconomic growth and development of the country and for being worthy ambassadors.
He said, “It is with great pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed citizens of Edo State origin who have been bestowed with prestigious national awards, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and for being worthy ambassadors of our beloved country.
“I offer my felicitations to Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh SAN, Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea and Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, on their distinguished investiture with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) awards.
“I also applaud Charles Ekhoeutowmen Idahosa and Maj. Gen. Anthony Bamidele Omozoje for their meritorious conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) awards.”
The governor continued, “Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) awards, Dr. Mrs. Owen Omogiafo and Victor Ifijeh. Their exceptional achievements deserve commendation.
“I must also commend Victor Osimhen, who has been honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award for his remarkable exploits in the realm of football, which have earned you global acclaim.
“As a government, we take immense pride in the fact that you, our sons and daughters, have attained a well-deserved elevated status for your outstanding achievements and for raising the bar in your different pursuits and spheres of influence.”
“We extend our best wishes for success in all your future endeavours, as you continue to enhance the reputation of our dear state and nation,” Obaseki added.
Maj. Gen. Omozoje, attended Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin-City, graduating with excellent grades in 1984, this was before attending the Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna and other prestigious Military schools overseas.
He is currently the Chief of Policy and Planning, Nigeria Army, Abuja.
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